Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan to secure the capital, Juba, amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The political unrest threatens to reignite civil conflict, prompting a UN call for dialogue among South Sudan’s leaders to restore stability. This intervention mirrors Uganda’s historical military involvement in South Sudan’s previous conflicts, reflecting broader regional security concerns.
Uganda has recently deployed special forces to South Sudan amid escalating fears of a civil war. Tensions between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar have intensified, leading to violent clashes following a deteriorating power-sharing agreement. The deployment aims to ensure the security of Juba, South Sudan’s capital, as the military chief of Uganda declared the necessity of this action to stabilize the region.
In statements shared on social media platform X, Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed that Ugandan forces entered Juba to assist in maintaining peace. He stressed that Uganda recognizes only President Salva Kiir as South Sudan’s leader, warning that any threats against him would be considered acts of war against Uganda. However, specifics regarding the duration of the deployment or whether Uganda was formally requested to assist remain unclear.
Amidst this military presence, sporadic fighting has erupted in South Sudan, indicating the fragile nature of the current political climate. Kiir’s government recently detained two ministers and some senior military officials linked to Machar, exacerbating factions within the government. Furthermore, significant violence occurred in the northern town of Nasir, where clashes resulted in numerous fatalities, indicating a potential escalation of conflict.
The United Nations has called for all parties to avoid further violence and urges leaders to engage in dialogue to mitigate the ongoing tensions. They emphasize the necessity of swift intervention to prevent the situation from worsening.
This recent deployment recalls Uganda’s earlier military actions during civil conflicts in 2013 and 2016, reflecting the persistent instability in the region. The potential for renewed conflict poses risks not only for South Sudan but also for Uganda, which fears an influx of refugees could exacerbate existing regional instability. In recent months, Uganda has also responded to threats from rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting its ongoing security concerns across its borders.
The deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan symbolizes a significant intervention as the region grapples with increasing tensions between key political figures. The deteriorating power-sharing arrangement raises alarms of a potential return to civil conflict. The international community, including the United Nations, stresses the importance of dialogue to alleviate violence, while Uganda’s military actions underscore regional security apprehensions and the impact of instability on neighboring countries.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
